Rutgers football: Three things to ponder...and more

LUCK BE A KNIGHT
Consider this game one giant version of Dave Roberts stealing second base against Mariano Rivera during Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. Things finally began breaking the Scarlet Knights' way Saturday. They got some big breaks (three missed field goals by UConn); some timely penalty calls (offensive pass interference during UConn's final drive) and had the Huskies blow two returns and gift-wrap Rutgers with great field position for the defense to go at it.

TEDDY'S A BEAR
At punting. We knew that Teddy Dellaganna was really beginning to establish himself as a very good punter, but this? We didn't think that he would be pulling off punts like he did Saturday. We know he had one blocked -- blame that on the blockers -- but when he got them off he had seven for 292 yards (41.7 avg) and dropped four inside the 20 -- including one at the 2 that led to a safety. He could be a real big weapon moving forward.

NOT OUT OF THE WOODS
We're not taking anything away from Rutgers' win, but if they expect to get by on that offense -- they will be in for a rude awakening going forward. Another week of poor execution in the passing game, lack of running game and untimely dropped passes. The introduction of Dom Natale running the show was nice, but he only ran the offense for one series and was sprinkled in elsewhere.

GOING UPKenny Britt
Kind of a shame he hasn't had a consistent quarterback throwing to him all season long, because he would be having another monster season. The junior wide receiver hauled in another nine catches for 107 yards Saturday. In six games, he has 571 receiving yards, but still no touchdowns.

GOING DOWNPlay-calling inside the 10
Remember what everyone said when Rutgers was knocking on the door for a touchdown early in the Fresno State game? People were scratching their heads that Schiano left big Jourdan Brooks on the bench, opting to try and pound it in with Kordell Young. Well that didn't work then and it didn't work Saturday. Schiano tried the same thing in the first quarter, but watched as Young was stood up on third-and-1. We have to ask: Why no Brooks?

WHAT'S WIT' BRITT?
One would think that when Kenny Britt goes over 100 yards receiving, it would signal a Rutgers win. But yesterday only helped to get that all-time record to 4-5. A look:

AND THEN THERE'S...
Rutgers using a little stalling and trickery tactics to fool the defense and having it work. There were five noticeable instances when Teel or Natale lined up, then backed off to watch the three other QBs using a myriad of hand gestures on the sidelines. Four times it resulted in positive passing plays of 33, 14, 7 and 16 yards. Impersonating Peyton Manning much? ... Connecticut's blocked punt in the first quarter was its first since Nov. 3, 2007, against -- who else? -- Rutgers. ... Teel passed former Rutgers quarterbacking great Scott Erney for second place all-time in passing yardage. He now has 7,327. Teel needs 1,155 yards in five games (possible but not likely) to catch Ryan Hart at 8,482. ... Tidbit alert! Erney and Huskies QB Zach Frazer hail from the same hometown of Mechanicsburg, Pa. ... Officials from three of the four BCS bowls were in attendance in their multi-colored blazers -- white (Sugar Bowl), orange (Orange Bowl) and navy blue (Tostitos Bowl). The Sun Bowl was also present, but without any fancy jackets.